Music
Double Oscar-Winning Composer A.R. Rahman: Building a Better India through Culture
2024-11-27
A.R. Rahman, the renowned composer who has won two Oscars, is actively involved in music projects across the globe. His long-term vision, however, goes beyond just creating music; it aims to build a better India through culture. In a masterclass at the International Film Festival of India in Goa, he opened up about his nation-building efforts and some of his immediate projects. This session, which was ostensibly to honor the late Lata Mangeshkar, set the stage for a wider discussion on various aspects of Rahman's work.

Composer Rahman's Quest to Transform India through Culture

Music in Every Corner of the World

A.R. Rahman's musical reach is truly global. His compositions have touched the hearts of people in different corners of the world. From slums to grand stages, his music has the power to connect and inspire. He has shown that music is not just a form of entertainment but a tool for bringing people together.

Just like in "Slumdog Millionaire", his music has the ability to transcend boundaries and tell powerful stories. It has become a symbol of India's rich cultural heritage and is loved by people all over the world. Rahman's success is a testament to the fact that Indian music has a significant place on the international stage.

Building a Better India through Culture

Rahman's long-term plan is to use culture as a means to build a better India. He believes that by promoting and nurturing Indian culture, the country can achieve greater heights. In his masterclass, he shared his ideas on how to achieve this.

He emphasized the importance of infrastructure building in the field of music. Just as Las Vegas has the Sphere, a technologically sophisticated show venue, Rahman hopes to build similar infrastructure in his hometown of Chennai. This will not only provide a platform for local artists but also attract international talent and audiences.

Musical Theater: A Key to National Unity

Musical theater is at the center of Rahman's plans. He believes that India should have its own world-class musical theater scene, similar to London or New York. Currently, top actors from around the world come to perform on Broadway and the West End, but very few come to India. Rahman wants to change this.

He envisions a future where Indian musical theater is valued as highly as movies. By building physical infrastructure and providing opportunities for local artists, he hopes to create a vibrant musical theater culture in India. This will not only boost the local economy but also promote national unity and pride.

Critical of India's Music Development

Despite India's rich musical heritage, Rahman is critical of the amount of development and modernization in the field. He believes that India has not always achieved world standards in music and the arts.

However, he encourages Indians to celebrate their culture instead of regarding themselves as inferior. By promoting and nurturing modern culture, India can take its place among the world's leading cultural nations. Rahman's words serve as a wake-up call for the Indian music industry to strive for excellence.

Connecting Technology and Music

Rahman's "Le Musk" virtual reality show has touched down in Cannes, Los Angeles, and Toronto, but not yet in India. He sees technology as a powerful tool for promoting Indian music and culture.

By bringing Indian music to the world through virtual reality, he hopes to showcase India's cultural diversity and creativity. He also believes that technology can empower people without tools and give them the opportunity to change the world.

Overcoming Inner Demons

Rahman is not without his own weaknesses and uncertainties. He has shared how he has learned to push back against his inner demons and the overexposure that comes with being on TV since he was 13 years old.

His journey is a reminder that even the most successful people face challenges. By sharing his experiences, Rahman hopes to inspire others to overcome their own obstacles and pursue their dreams.

Advice for the Audience

When asked for advice, Rahman emphasized the importance of knowing oneself. He believes that through practice and self-improvement, one can raise their level and achieve great things.

His words are a valuable lesson for everyone. Whether in the field of music or any other area of life, self-awareness and continuous learning are key to success. Rahman's advice serves as a guiding light for those who aspire to achieve their goals.

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